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Colorado is once again at the forefront of drug policy reform. A newly filed bill could give the state’s governor the power to issue mass pardons for past convictions related to psychedelics. This marks a major step forward for those who have been criminalized for nonviolent drug offenses tied to substances like psilocybin and mescaline—both now decriminalized under state law.
The proposed legislation comes on the heels of Colorado’s broader efforts to embrace natural medicine. In 2022, voters passed a historic initiative legalizing certain psychedelics for therapeutic use. But while policy has moved forward, thousands of Coloradans are still burdened with criminal records for acts that are no longer illegal. This bill seeks to correct that imbalance by offering a clean slate.
Supporters of the bill say this kind of mass pardon is not only a matter of fairness, but of justice. Communities of color and low-income individuals have historically faced disproportionate punishment for drug offenses. By clearing these records, the state acknowledges that the old laws were flawed—and that healing should extend beyond the substances to the people affected by them.
Opponents, however, argue that the pardon power could be too broad and may overlook case-by-case details. Still, advocates maintain that the bill is a necessary tool to move past outdated drug policies and help people reintegrate into society without the stigma of a conviction.
As more states look at how to regulate psychedelics, Colorado’s move could set a national example. At its core, this is about aligning laws with science, compassion, and modern values.
High Science supports policies that empower people, not punish them. Granting pardons for psychedelics-related convictions is a powerful way to show that healing isn’t just about medicine—it’s about making things right.
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